The rap on Chase Headley was that he played a power-hitting position, third base, but supplied about as much energy as SDG&E during a blackout.

In his fourth full season, Headley is breaking out in stunning fashion. Home runs: 27 (previous high, 12). RBI: a National League-best 102 (previous high, 64).

Headley, in fact, is on the verge of setting history. If he wins the RBI title he’ll become only the second Padre to do so. In 1979, Dave Winfield led the National League with 118 runs batted in.

Headley would be the first Padre to win any of the triple crown categories since Tony Gwynn won the NL batting title in 1997.

“Those are two of the best to ever play anywhere, nonetheless the Padres,” Headley said. “If it were to happen, that would be a tremendous accomplishment and tremendous company to be in.”

Chase, take II

Headley was supposed to be traded at the July 31 deadline. GM Josh Byrnes rebuffed all callers. There was talk he’d be dealt in the offseason.

Can’t think of a time when a Padre so abruptly altered fans’ impression of him. No way, one would think, he’ll be traded now.

Said Headley, “I know I would like to be here.”

Falling off the cycle

For the 343rd time, the Padres fell one hit shy of the first cycle in club history Monday. The breakdown of the hit that felled San Diego batters: single: 9; double: 16; triple: 246; home run: 72.

Two for one

Logan Forsythe (home run) and Cameron Maybin (triple) fell one hit shy Monday. It marked the 13th time two players came up one hit short in the same game.

No quit in Colts

Crawford High’s football team has struggled for some time, posting a 7-60 record since 2005. The Colts, though, are not short on grit.

Two years ago, Crawford lined up to face Hoover. According to Joey Torres, now a senior linebacker/tight end, the Colts were down to 12 players while the Cardinals filled the sideline.

“It was my first varsity game,” said Torres. “The quarterback calls us in a huddle (before the game) and he jokes around, (saying) ‘We’re like the Spartan 300, the tiny squad full of heart, and we’re going against this army.’ ”

One-liners

Darren Smith, that was some Ray Lewis imitation. The cadence, timber, tone, spot on. Do any other impersonations? …

Whenever I see a football player with that branded horse shoe on the upper arm, I think, “Why would you ever subject yourself to that?” And how would you like to be the guy doing the branding? …

This Just In took a shot at teammates Nick Canepa, Kevin Acee and Annie Heilbrunn for picking the Bolts over Raiders. TJI now crafting apology notes … Godspeed to Tulane safety Devon Walker, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury Saturday.

Opinions

Samsung, Sony and LG confirm mute button will be renamed the Chris Berman button … Check the Dodgers’ remaining schedule. Brutal. The Magic Johnsons will be on outside looking in come October … Fans shouldn’t criticize the replacement refs. Criticism should be directed toward the NFL for not reaching a contract with regular officials …

If you’re channel surfing and come across Jon Gruden’s QB Camp, stop, look and listen. Gruden getting in the faces of this year’s rookie QB crop is equal parts entertaining and informative.

Pop culture

Caught “The Words” over the weekend. Good, but not great movie about a writer unable to resist the temptation to plagiarize. Dennis Quaid’s introduction late in the film is a distraction. Bradley Cooper fine in lead role. Jeremy Irons steals the film. Movie will make writers want to invest in a weatherworn satchel.

Fantasy football

This Just In hasn’t dabbled in fantasy football in more than 20 years. Got hooked this year to play with family members. Not to say I’d make a horrible GM, but in Week 1 TJI got beat by my Aussie son-in-law, who lives in Sydney and knows little about football.